Universities vital to the UK, expert states

UK universities are vital to the country's competitiveness, it has been claimed.

In news that might be of interest to those looking for graduate jobs, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has praised the work of the nation's educational institutions.

Richard Lambert, director-general of the body, stated that the relationship between business and universities is vital to both parties.

"Both sides can benefit - businesses from new thinking and high quality graduates, universities from practical insights that enrich their teaching and research, as well as much needed funding."

The government must strive to bring down any barriers that stand in the way of greater collaboration between the two groups, he added.

Mr Lambert's comments follow the publication of The Higher Education - Business and Community Interaction survey which found that UK universities received £2.64 billion through business and community interaction in 2006-07.

This equates to a rise of 17 per cent on the figure for the previous 12 months.